Sunday I'm picking up a 80's Fleet. I don't know much about the condition other than a couple pictures. Its dirt cheap so I'm not too worried.
I'm prepared to do an entire rebuild if I have too. I plan to gut and rebuild the interior and have a feeling once I get deep into that its going to be a total rebuild. If the roof, soft side and exterior is in decent shape I won't. For sure want to re insulate it with foam board. I have a Chinese Wabesto I'll add in for a furnace. Don't need a fridge or stove. I'll use my Yeti cooler and my Coleman camping stove. Really trying to keep it light and simple. I already know I'll have to make it more narrow at the floor as its 59" wide and I have 50" between the wheel wells in my 2018 F150 Supercab. Since I'm doing that I would like to add some height to the interior since I'm 6'-5". This might be too ambitious but I would love to hack off about 10"-12" off the back so it fits in my 6.5' bed with the tailgate closed. Another thing I need to do since I'm tall is run the bed parallel to the camper. I'm guessing welding some support rails will accommodate that. I don't really know the condition of the roof or canvas. This guy got the truck inherited from his uncle, know nothing about campers, has never popped it up, etc so Sunday I'll know more. I might be a a little to ambitious brain storming at the moment its just a camper right, famous last words LOL.
Mainly curious on peoples experiences rebuilding these. I have read a lot of threads on this forum which this forum if gold. You guys do some amazing work. I'm more of a amateur but half way decent. A buddy has a welding shop so he can do any welding for me. Sounds like the roof and soft side can be the hardest parts to work on. Also the lifting boards or whatever they are called. Really hoping those are in decent shape.
Curious on thoughts, like what you wish you did differently, didn't do, etc.
I'm pretty excited to get into this project. Currently have a 89 Jayco 8' Sportster and always wanted a lighter and more low profile of the FWC. Zero chance I can afford a newer one so this is the next best option I guess.
I don't intend to have this project complete till next ski season so I have a year to figure this out and get it done which seems more than reasonable.
Thanks for your time
I'm prepared to do an entire rebuild if I have too. I plan to gut and rebuild the interior and have a feeling once I get deep into that its going to be a total rebuild. If the roof, soft side and exterior is in decent shape I won't. For sure want to re insulate it with foam board. I have a Chinese Wabesto I'll add in for a furnace. Don't need a fridge or stove. I'll use my Yeti cooler and my Coleman camping stove. Really trying to keep it light and simple. I already know I'll have to make it more narrow at the floor as its 59" wide and I have 50" between the wheel wells in my 2018 F150 Supercab. Since I'm doing that I would like to add some height to the interior since I'm 6'-5". This might be too ambitious but I would love to hack off about 10"-12" off the back so it fits in my 6.5' bed with the tailgate closed. Another thing I need to do since I'm tall is run the bed parallel to the camper. I'm guessing welding some support rails will accommodate that. I don't really know the condition of the roof or canvas. This guy got the truck inherited from his uncle, know nothing about campers, has never popped it up, etc so Sunday I'll know more. I might be a a little to ambitious brain storming at the moment its just a camper right, famous last words LOL.
Mainly curious on peoples experiences rebuilding these. I have read a lot of threads on this forum which this forum if gold. You guys do some amazing work. I'm more of a amateur but half way decent. A buddy has a welding shop so he can do any welding for me. Sounds like the roof and soft side can be the hardest parts to work on. Also the lifting boards or whatever they are called. Really hoping those are in decent shape.
Curious on thoughts, like what you wish you did differently, didn't do, etc.
I'm pretty excited to get into this project. Currently have a 89 Jayco 8' Sportster and always wanted a lighter and more low profile of the FWC. Zero chance I can afford a newer one so this is the next best option I guess.
I don't intend to have this project complete till next ski season so I have a year to figure this out and get it done which seems more than reasonable.
Thanks for your time